Few things in life are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen. These soft sugar-coated cookies — slightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside — are a timeless treat that never goes out of style.
They’re perfect for tea time, festive gatherings, or simply when you need something sweet and homemade to brighten your day. Made with simple pantry staples, these cookies deliver that irresistible combination of buttery richness and sweet crunch that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
Perfect texture: Crisp on the outside, soft and crumbly inside.
Versatile: Great plain or enhanced with a touch of peanut butter, vanilla, or spice.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and bake fresh whenever you crave them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 egg yolk
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
A pinch of salt
Optional additions:
2 tablespoons peanut butter for a nutty flavor
½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, spiced note
How to Make Sugar-Coated Cookies
How to Make Sugar-Coated Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates the airy texture that makes your cookies melt in the mouth.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. This helps bind the dough while adding flavor richness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll small portions of dough into balls (about the size of a walnut). Coat each ball generously in sugar, then place on a lined baking sheet.
Press each cookie lightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern — this gives them their signature look and helps them bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly cracked.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Don’t overbake: They’ll firm up as they cool, so remove them while slightly soft.
Chill the dough: If it’s too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping.
Add variety: Dip half in melted chocolate or sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week — or freeze for longer.
☕ Serving Ideas
Serve warm with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate.
Pack them in gift boxes for holidays or parties.
Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
Final Thoughts
These homemade sugar-coated cookies are proof that the simplest recipes can deliver the greatest pleasures. Buttery, golden, and sweetly satisfying, they’re everything you could want in a classic cookie — soft, crumbly, and utterly delicious.
Whether baked for a celebration or as a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will fill your home with warmth, joy, and that irresistible bakery-fresh aroma.
So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to these melt-in-your-mouth cookies today!